RPDR:3 is basically what happens when you take the bastard child of America’s Next Top Model, Project Runway and American Idol, throw a wig on it and let it run free in size 12 heels on subscription cable.

Last night’s episode, “The Queen Who Mopped Christmas”  introduced us to the 13 queens who would compete for the title of “America’s Next Drag Superstar.”

Before they could even put down their purses, Ru showed up to give them their first challenge: a photo shoot with super hunky photog  and A-Lister Mike Ruiz. The queens had to jump for their love, posing on a trampoline while making it look both easy and sexy. The winner of the challenge was Raja, a lanky lady whose style will make you go Gaga.

Tyra would be proud.

The contestants were then given $50 and 10 minutes at a thrift store to find pieces that would go into creating their best holigay couture. Amidst a sea of shade and despite a breakdown or two, the queens got their tucks together in time for the runway.

Wilhelmina Slater herself, Vanessa Williams joined PJ Runway alum Santino Rice, Michelle Visage (Ru’s old co-host on 90′s relic, The RuPaul Talk Show) and Mike Ruiz (with guest Santa, Bruce Villanch) to judge the queens on who best embodied the principles of CUNT – Charisma, Uniqueness, Nerve and Talent.

Raja won again, this time with a look reminiscent of Vivienne Westwood and a walk that would put most supermodels to shame. Meanwhile Venus D-Lite and season 2 cast-off Shangela had to lip-synch for their lives to Vanny Williams’ own “The Right Stuff.”

Things got a little ugly — eyelashes and wigs flying everywhere — and though Shangela was the first to be eliminated the last time she hit the stage, she proved the better woman this time around and Venus had to sashay…away.

Raja is clearly the front-runner for RPDR:3, but my money might be on one Ms. Manila Luzon who gives epic face.

This promises to be a fierce season, full of the backstabbing, weave-pulling and bitch-slapping that the best of reality TV can only aspire to. Welcome back, Ru. And may the best tranny…

WIN!

Link Love: RuPaul’s Drag Race

I personally love it on Jennifer. It hangs very well on her body and everything looks great. Vanessa looked good too—but the dress didn’t seem to hang as nicely on her and the belt is a distraction and cuts her body in half.

Is this really Eva Longoria? She actually looks good for once. Love the bow, love the fringes, love the look!

Big surprise Heidi Klum looked great. She probably had one of those Project Runway slaves up all night hand stitching this for her. Love the earrings too.

How many times do we have to say that yellow is a big color this Fall. This wasn't the only yellow spotted on the red carpet, but it sure was one of the best.

The Bad:

What's up with the awkward fold in the middle of the chest? And the fit isn't even close to flattering. Glorified doctor scrubs seem to be the appropriate label for this.

The dress looks good, but what is this awkward length? The random ankle flash, not so hot.

Story of Lauren Conrad's life, boring. She's supposed to be young and sexy. Now she either put on an unflattering amount of weight, or got knocked up by that douche bag Brody, because she looks like she's trying to hide something.

The Ugly:

What's up with the cheesy screen print and random fake diamond strap that randomly just stops? Just awful.

Thanks Just Jared